Abstract: Machine and method for converting paper stock to cushioning material or dunnage in which paper is withdrawn from a supply, passed about an arcuately curved forming bar to impart a lateral curvature to the paper, and then passed between confronting surfaces of feed belts to crumple the curved paper and thereby form the cushioning material, after which the crumpled paper or cushioning material is cut to desired lengths with a knife blade. Operation of both the feed belts and the knife blade is controlled by a foot switch, logic circuitry, and a limit switch which monitors the position of the blade. Depressing the foot switch causes the feed belts to advance, and releasing it causes the belts to stop and the knife blade to advance.